Abstract: The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for at least one and including a network of enhanced drinking fountains that dispense water to the public while enabling a property owner or network operator to generate revenue from advertising, related promotional services and vending. The invention includes several embodiments of an apparatus that dispenses water, displays media content, facilitates user interactions and provides an efficient means for ensuring timely filter changes by transmitting water usage data to a server over a wide area network. By facilitating the generation of revenue, the present invention provides property owners and/or network operators with a way of offsetting the cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining enhanced drinking fountains. By improving upon the current state of the art, the present invention facilitates a faster and wider adoption of enhanced drinking fountains.